An anonymous benefactor is performing random acts of kindness in NY and NJ

Nov 30, 2012 10:47 GMT  ·  By

Many residents of New York and New Jersey lost everything when hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, and a generous secret Santa is trying to do his part in helping them get their lives back.

An unidentified business man from Kansas City showers survivors with $100 (€76), and plans to give away a total of $100,000 (€76,000).

Yesterday, November 29, he spent a day in NY and NJ, starting his Sandy tour in Elizabeth, N.J.

“It’s about the random acts of kindness. I’m just setting an example, and if 10 percent of the people who see me emulate what I’m doing, anybody can be a Secret Santa!,” the anonymous benefactor is quoted by the Washington Post as saying.

A motorcade run by volunteers was put together to announce his arrival. He is accompanied by a guard of officers, FBI agents and police veterans. As he sets an example by wearing a red T-shirt and “elf” hat, every supporter is now wearing the caps branded Santa's “elf.”

He visited a non-profit disaster center, and a Salvation Army store, or just stopped strangers on the street, handing out the bills.

To Phillip and Lisa Morris, who he had just met, he gave three bills. The couple lost their home in the storm, and needed help rebuilding it.

“You’re not alone. God bless you!,” he told them.

Mystery Santa describes he has already visited several towns, from San Diego to Chicago to Charlotte, North Carolina.

“And I hope I give all my money away before I die,” he says.

Larry Stewart, a friend from Kansas City, inspired him by helping out random people, through the act of giving away $100 (€76) bills. The tycoon handed out over $1 million (€770,000) before passing away in 2007.